The Office Stars Share Set Story Behind Michael Scott Screaming Meme

The Office stars shared the on-set story behind the famous moment of Michael Scott screaming, which has become a popular meme. A remake of the British sitcom of the same name, The Office was a mockumentary that followed the lives of Dunder Mifflin, Scranton, employees, and their immature regional manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell). The show has become one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time thanks to its relatable qualities, absurd moments, and various character relationships, such as Michael’s eternal (and unexplained) hatred for Scranton’s HR guy Toby Flenderson (Paul Lieberstein).

In the The Office season 4 finale, titled “Goodbye, Toby,” Michael is ecstatic that Toby is leaving for Costa Rica, even singing a parody of Supertramp’s “Goodbye Stranger” called “Goodbye Toby.” However, in season 5, episode 9’s cold open, Michael is unaware that Toby is once again working at Dunder Mifflin, and after Jim (John Krasinski) asks Michael to “meander” back to Toby’s workspace, Michael bumps into Toby. Before Toby can barely say a word, Michael provides one of the most hilarious Office moments when he screams: “NO! GOD! NO!” before screaming a prolonged “NOOOOOO!” until it cuts to opening credits. The Office is responsible for countless internet memes and GIFS, but there is arguably none more popular than this one of Michael screaming, which even non-Office fans know, love, and use.

In the latest Office Ladies podcast (via Mashable), Office stars and co-hosts Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer broke down the episode “Frame Toby,” as well as the story behind Michael’s iconic scream. The pair discussed a Toby line they wish stayed in the final cut for that scene, but they then went onto discuss Carell’s slight improvisation and how that then created the iconic “NO!” meme. According to Fischer, the script simply said: “‘Michael turns and screams in all caps.” However, Carell’s interpretation of that script was what fans saw in the episode, and Kinsley called him “a comedy genius,” as well as noting she’s seen countless people use that Michael reaction GIF.

Fischer: “People wanted to know if Michael screaming ‘NO’ and all of that was improvised or if it was in the script. In the script, it just says ‘Michael turns and screams in all caps.’ That was Steve’s interpretation of that script note.”

Kinsey: “And how funny was that?  You guys, if you read that you scream, I think most of us would just be like, ‘Ahhhhh,’ right? But Steve made a meal out of that moment.”

Fischer: “In the best way.”

Kinsey: “He’s a comedy genius.”

The story of Carell’s comedic “genius” once again shining through is perhaps not very surprising, but it’s a reminder of how he was essentially the heart of The Office and why his eventual departure in season 7 was so heartbreaking for fans of the show. Memes and GIFs are perhaps part of the reason why The Office continues to grow its fan base to this day, as the show is scattered all over social media, especially this meme of Michael screaming. The scream also encapsulated Michael and Toby’s relationship in many ways, as well as providing a moment fans can watch on repeat without getting bored. So fans around the world, Office fans, and non-Office fans have Carell to thank for his improvisation of “NO! GOD! NO!”

Stories like this also serve as a reminder, not only of Carell’s incredible work as Michael Scott but also why fans are hoping for a reunion of some sort. Last year, Krasinski claimed he had a great idea for an Office reunion, while Rainn Wilson also said he’d love to do a reunion. There was even a report that NBCUniversal was considering an Office reunion for Peacock. However, Carell has openly been against doing a reunion. Of course, a reunion without Michael Scott wouldn’t feel right, and it removes the possibility of a new golden meme opportunity and any chance of fans seeing Michael insult Toby one more time. Regardless of whether The Office reunion happens, fans can continue to enjoy rewatching Michael’s iconic scream, as well as sharing the meme on social media.

Source: Office Ladies podcast (via Mashable)

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